Peavey Backstage Chorus 208
Single Unit Guitar Amplifier
Overview
The Peavey Backstage Chorus 208 is a single-unit guitar amplifier designed for musicians. It offers a range of tonal shaping options, including multiple gain inputs, equalization controls, chorus, and reverb effects, along with a SuperSat® simulation for tube-like distortion.
⚠️ WARNING: Risk of electric shock or fire hazard. Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Read the operating guide for further warnings.
⚠️ CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN! No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Front Panel Controls
1. High Gain Input
Used for most electric guitars. It provides 10 dB more gain than the Low Gain input.
2. Low Gain Input
Suitable for instruments with extremely high output signals that might otherwise overdrive the High Gain input. When both inputs are used simultaneously, the output levels are the same (effectively High Gain).
3. Normal Gain
Controls the volume level of the Normal channel. This control is not affected by the SuperSat® or Post Gain controls.
4. Chorus Select Switch
The "in" position activates the Chorus effect; the "out" position deactivates it. The Chorus effect must be activated to be controlled via a remote footswitch.
5. Channel Select Switch
Allows selection between the Lead channel ("in" position) and the Normal channel ("out" position). Channel selection can also be performed via an optional remote footswitch.
6. Low, Mid, & High EQ
Passive tone controls that adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies, respectively.
7. SuperSat®/Pull Gain
A transistor simulation of tube distortion (soft clipping). The SuperSat effect requires the Lead channel to be activated. Pulling the Gain knob activates the SuperSat effect and boosts overall system gain.
8. Post Gain
Controls the overall volume level of the Lead channel. This should be adjusted after the desired sound has been achieved.
9. Bottom (Low EQ)
An active tone control (shelving type, ±15 dB) that boosts or cuts low frequencies. This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
10. Body (Mid EQ)
An active tone control (peak/notch, ±15 dB) that boosts or cuts mid frequencies. This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
11. Edge (High EQ)
An active tone control (shelving type, ±15 dB) that boosts or cuts high frequencies. This control is not functional on the Normal channel.
12. Reverb
Controls the overall reverb level.
13. Rate Control
Controls the sweep rate (frequency) of the chorus effect.
14. Depth Control
Controls the depth (intensity) of the chorus effect.
15. Power LED
Illuminates when AC power is supplied to the amplifier.
16. Power Switch
Depress to the "On" position. The red pilot light (LED) will illuminate indicating power is being supplied.
Rear Panel Connections
17. Line Cord (120V Products Only)
Features a 3-wire line (mains) cable with proper grounding facilities for safety. It is not advisable to remove the ground pin. Use grounding adaptors if necessary. Proper grounding reduces noise and shock hazard.
18. Preamp Out Mix 2
Routes the amplified signal to a mixing console, tape recorder, or outboard power amplifier using a shielded cable. This connection does not affect the amplifier's operation. When only this jack is used, the mixed chorus effect (dry and chorused signals) is present. When both Preamp Out jacks are used, only the chorused signal appears here.
19. Stereo Headphone Jack
For use with stereo headsets. One headphone channel receives chorus-processed signals, while the other receives dry (unprocessed) signals. Monaural headsets are not recommended.
20. Preamp Out Dry 1
Routes the amplified signal to a mixing console, tape recorder, etc., using a shielded cable. This connection does not affect the amplifier's operation. The dry (unchorused) signal is always present at this jack, even when both Preamp Out jacks are used. This jack is intended for normal preamp out patching when the chorus effect is not desired.
21. Remote Switch
For connecting an optional remote footswitch (#5996) to select the Lead or Normal channels and defeat the reverb and chorus effects.
Signal Path Block Diagram Description
The signal path begins with the input jacks (High Gain, Low Gain, Normal). The signal then proceeds through the preamp section, which includes channel selection (Normal/Lead), equalization (Low, Mid, High), gain controls (Normal Gain, Lead Gain, SuperSat®, Post Gain), and voicing controls (Bottom, Body, Edge). Effects such as Chorus and Reverb are applied within the preamp section. The signal is then sent to the power amplifier section, which drives the internal speaker(s). Various outputs are available, including Preamp Out Mix 2, Preamp Out Dry 1, and a Stereo Headphone Jack. An optional remote footswitch can control channel selection and effects.
Specifications
| POWER AMP SECTION | |
|---|---|
| Rated Power & Load (each channel) | 30 W RMS into 8 ohms/driven separately; 25W RMS into 8 ohms/both channels driven (50 W RMS total) |
| Power @ Clipping (Typical each channel) | 25 W RMS into 8 ohms/both channels driven (5% THD, 1 kHz, 120 V AC line) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less than 0.2% (100 mW to 20 W RMS, 40 Hz to 15 kHz, 8 ohms) |
| Power Consumption (Domestic) | 150 W @ 120 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| PREAMP SECTION | |
|---|---|
| Specs measured @ 1 kHz with controls preset | Channel & Chorus select normal (out), Low & high EQ @ 10, Mid EQ @ 0, SuperSat @ 10, Pull Gain Off (In), Post Gain @ 10, Bottom, Body, & Edge Voicing @ 0, Reverb Level @ 0, Stereo Chorus Depth & Rate @ 10 |
| Preamp High Gain Input | Impedance: High Z, 200 K ohms; Nominal Input Level: -20 dBV, 100 mV RMS; Minimum Input Level: -36 dBV, 15 mV RMS; Maximum Input Level: +16 dBV, 6 V RMS |
| Preamp Low Gain Input (10 dB pad) | Impedance: High Z, 69 K ohms; Nominal Input Level: -10 dBV, 300 mV RMS; Minimum Input Level: -26 dBV, 45 mV RMS; Maximum Input Level: +26 dBV, 18 V RMS |
| Preamp #1 Output (Dry signal, no chorus) | Load Impedance: 10 K ohms or greater; Nominal Output: 0 dBV, 1 V RMS; Maximum Output: +18 dBV, 8 V RMS |
| Preamp #2 Output (Mix of dry and chorus signals) | Load Impedance: 10 K ohms or greater; Nominal Output: 0 dBV, 1 V RMS; Maximum Output: +18 dBV, 8 V RMS |
| Headphone Output (Stereo jack, stereo signal) | Load Impedance: 4 ohms or greater/channel; Nominal power output: 100 mW into 4 ohms/channel. Disconnects internal speakers when stereo phone plug is inserted. |
| System Hum & Noise @ Nominal Input Levels | (20 Hz to 20 kHz unweighted) 74 dB below rated power |
| Normal Channel Equalization | Low, mid, & high passive type EQ |
| Lead Channel Voicing | Special Bottom, Body, & Edge EQ |
| Pull Gain | Increases SuperSat® gain |
| External Footswitch Function | Reverb defeat, Lead channel defeat, Chorus defeat |
Important Safety Instructions
- Read all safety and operating instructions before using this product.
- Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
- Obey all cautions in the operating instructions and on the unit.
- Follow all operating instructions.
- Do not use near water (e.g., bathtub, sink, pool).
- Ensure proper ventilation; do not place flat against a wall or in a built-in enclosure that impedes airflow.
- Do not place near heat sources (stove, radiator, other amplifiers).
- Connect only to the power supply type marked on the unit.
- Never break off the ground pin on the power supply cord.
- Handle power supply cords carefully; do not walk on them or place equipment on them. Periodically check cords for damage.
- Unplug the unit when unused for long periods.
- If rack-mounted, provide rear support.
- Clean metal parts with a damp rag. Clean vinyl with a damp rag or ammonia-based cleaner. Disconnect from power before cleaning.
- Take care to prevent objects from falling or liquids from spilling into the unit.
- Have the unit checked by a qualified service technician if the power cord/plug is damaged, something has fallen into the unit, the unit does not operate correctly, or the unit has been dropped/damaged.
- Do not attempt to service the equipment yourself; all service work should be done by a qualified technician.
- Use only with a recommended cart or stand.
- Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Wear ear plugs or protectors when operating at high volumes.
Limited Warranty
This limited warranty is valid only when purchased and registered in the United States or Canada. Exported products are subject to distributor-specified warranties.
- One-Year Limited Warranty: Peavey warrants the product (excluding covers, footswitches, patchcords, tubes, and meters) to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
- 90-Day Limited Warranty: Tubes and meters are warranted for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase.
- Conditions/Exclusions: Warranties are void if the product is for resale, not purchased from an authorized dealer, damaged by accident/misuse/neglect, or if the serial number is altered.
- Remedy: Peavey will repair or replace defective components (tubes/meters) or the product itself at their option. Shipping costs are paid by the purchaser.
- Registration: The warranty registration card must be completed and mailed within 14 days of purchase.
- Obtaining Service: Bring the defective item to an authorized Peavey dealer or service center with proof of purchase. If service cannot be provided locally, you will be directed to another authorized facility. Alternatively, ship the item prepaid with a detailed description of the problem, proof of purchase, and return address. Peavey will return the repaired/replaced product freight collect.
- Limitation of Liability: Peavey's liability is limited to the greater of $500.00 or the product's purchase price for damages. This does not apply to personal injury or property damage caused by Peavey's negligence. Peavey is not liable for damages arising from non-Peavey alterations or interconnected equipment. Lost profits, savings, incidental, or consequential damages are excluded.
- Implied Warranties: Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use are disclaimed unless other warranty conditions are met.
- State Variations: Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion of incidental/consequential damages.
Contact Peavey directly by telephoning (601) 483-5365.
